12 Things To Do in March

by Lisa Diggs

She seems to be coming in like a lion, but we’re all looking forward to her going out like a lamb. Regardless of weather, March always brings some tremendous opportunities for revelry.

March 5-10 KBS Week – Grand Rapids AND Detroit

One of the best known and adored brews in Michigan, hits the market in March. Founders’ Kentucky Breakfast Stout, commonly known as KBS, is so beloved that the delectable imperial stout warrants a weeklong celebration all its own. This year the party will take place not only in Grand Rapids, where it has aged in oak bourbon barrels for a year in the caves beneath the city, but in Detroit, which is home to the newest Founders location. Fans can order the brew in limited quantities to be picked up from Founders during this week. www.kbsweek.com

March 8-18 LaughFest – Grand Rapids

Named for one of Michigan’s funniest daughters, Gilda Radner, Laughfest is a hilarious annual event that celebrates the connection between humor and healing. The 10-day extravaganza includes stand-up comedy, improv, music, dance, speakers, films, and showcases. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club. This year’s talented lineup includes Tiffany Haddish, Trevor Noah, Cameron Esposito, Bert Kreischer, and Maria Bamford, among others. www.laughfestgr.org

March 9 Bill Murray/Wes Anderson Tribute – Detroit

The gloriously restored old movie palace, Redford Theatre, is hosting a special event in honor of a new Bill Murray Wes Anderson collaboration. Their new movie, Isle of Dogs is coming out soon. To celebrate, a double feature using rare 35mm film prints of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and Rushmore will be shown starting at 8PM on Friday, March 9. Best of all, the event features a live appearance by Bill Murray, and tickets that are only $5. www.redfordtheatre.com/events

March 10 Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival – Jackson

If flood waters prevented you from making it to the Winter Beer Festival in Comstock Park, here’s another chance to mingle with beer lovers. The 9th Annual Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival takes place at the Jackson County Fairgrounds from Noon-5PM. Over 150 different brews will be on tap for sampling. Partake in sausage, brats and kraut, BBQ, hoagies or pretzels, and enjoy games and entertainment. You can catch up with friends either outside or in, depending on your temperature preference. www.jacksoncountyfair.net

March 10 Women’s Expo – Jackson

If you want to shop ‘til you drop, then head to the Women’s Expo presented by American 1 Credit Union at the Middle School at Parkside. This annual celebration of women showcases health, beauty, and fashion products as well as other ways for women to pamper themselves. The event runs from 10AM-4PM and admission is free. www.american1cu.org/womens-expo

March 11 St. Patrick’s Parade – Detroit

The Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day draws revelers from around the state to Detroit’s Historic Corktown every year. If you’re feeling energetic, come early and participate in the Corktown races in the morning and/or take in the parade at Noon. If your mood is more celebratory, then join the daylong party at some of the city’s best loved joints. www.detroitstpatricksparade.com

March 16-18 March Madness – Detroit

Detroit was selected as one of the eight host sites for first- and second-round games in the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. University of Detroit Mercy will serve as the host institution with the games being played at the new Little Caesar’s Arena on March 16 and 18. Attend a game, become a volunteer, or hit a nearby establishment to root for your favorite local teams. www.olympiaentertainment.com/events/detail/ncaa-tournament

March 17 Maple Syrup Festival – Lansing

The inevitable March thaw brings back that liquid gold known as maple syrup. The Fenner Nature Center in just one of several parks and farms around the state inviting guests to come and explore some of the natural and cultural history surrounding this decadent treat. Families can spend the day exploring how sap is turned into sweet treats like syrup, maple crème, and candy. www.mynaturecenter.org/programs-and-rentals/festivals/maple-syrup-festival

March 17 St. Patrick’s Street Shut Down – Marquette

Marquette sees more than its fair share of blisteringly cold temps, gusty winds, and snowdrifts so it is time for a street party to warm things up. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the U.P. way with the Washington Street Shut Down. Festivities will include dueling pianos, a mechanical bull, a photo booth, and a cash bar. www.travelmarquettemichigan.com/saint-patricks-street-shutdown

March 17 Mardi Gras – Harbor Springs

It’s hard to imagine how much fun will be on tap at Nub’s Nob when the annual Spring Fling lands on St. Patrick’s Day! Families have been gathering for years to welcome in the warmth of the incoming season by reveling in the glories of the outgoing one. Festivities include a costume contest, silly races, the Dorie Sarns Challenge, the Petoskey Steel Drum Band and their infamous Soaker Cup. If the weather permits, race down the snow in some shorts--it’s truly invigorating! www.nubsnob.com

March 25 Opening Day of the Soo Locks – Sault Ste Marie

On March 25th, a sure sign of spring arrives, as the engineering marvel that is the Soo Locks opens for the season. Join locals as they gather at Soo Locks Park to celebrate the opening of this historic structure. Boat lovers will love spending time at the Soo Locks Visitor Center and welcoming the opening of the 2018 shipping season with freighters and refreshments. www.saultstemarie.com/event-detail/opening-day-of-the-soo-locks/?glm_event_from=2018-03-25

March 29 Tigers Opening Day – Detroit

They say there’s no party like a DE-troit party, and there’s no better proof of that than witnessing the Opening Day of baseball season. Tailgates, parties, and bar specials abound. Whether you have a ticket to watch the boys of summer return to Comerica Park, or just take time to walk around the city, you’ll get caught up in an electrifying spirit of hope and joy. Hope for a championship comes and goes, but the hope of summer on the horizon springs eternal. www.mlb.com/tigers